Advice on Shimano shifters and drivetrain

[Mook]

2 hours ago, droo said:

RD - Ultegra RX or GRX RX810 if you're keeping it 2x, otherwise RX812 if you're going 1x.

FD - I suspect you'll need a matching Ultegra or GRX cos 11sp road FDs are borderline impossible to set up properly even if they are a correct match for the shifter, I'd hate to try to bodge something functional.

If you run 'n max 42T at the back with 1x, the 812 will work. If you go bigger you will need a hanger extender, ie. Roadlink. Many that went down this rabbit hole complained about sketchy shifting at times.

The above is the primary motivation for going the GRX822 SGS route. No hanger extender required, and your max cassette size is 51T. Despite being a 12 speed RD the shifting with the 11spd lever is flawless.

There is currently very little price difference between the GRX 812 and 822. You are also set to migrate to 12 spd by simply upgrading the shifters, and cassette of course.

[DieselnDust]

6 hours ago, Prince Albert Cycles said:

Thank you this useful. I now also saw the thread that you started .

And does the 105 hydraulics work with the XT calipers ?

Yip, all Shimano calipers work with (almost) all their hydraulic brake levers across road and mountain. 
 

[droo]

12 hours ago, Mook said:

If you run 'n max 42T at the back with 1x, the 812 will work. If you go bigger you will need a hanger extender, ie. Roadlink. Many that went down this rabbit hole complained about sketchy shifting at times.

The above is the primary motivation for going the GRX822 SGS route. No hanger extender required, and your max cassette size is 51T. Despite being a 12 speed RD the shifting with the 11spd lever is flawless.

There is currently very little price difference between the GRX 812 and 822. You are also set to migrate to 12 spd by simply upgrading the shifters, and cassette of course.

This is useful info, thanks. Been looking at moving to 1x for extra range but the 11-42T isn't enough for a do-everything bike so it's good to know that I can get a few extra teeth with an RX822.

Guess I'm collecting parts again...